Newcastle Food Festival Announces Brand-New Arena Alongside Full Live Music Line-up

Pulp, Oasis and Beatles Tribute Acts Confirmed to Headline May Bank Holiday Celebration at Exhibition Park

Organisers of The Newcastle Food Festival have confirmed the full live music programme for their three day celebration taking place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, 2nd - 4th May, at the festival’s original home in Exhibition Park.

Alongside the live music announcement, plans for a brand-new interactive arena have also been unveiled, set to debut as one of several new attractions for the festival’s third annual event.

Three of the UK’s leading tribute acts are set to headline each evening of the event, while a vibrant series of local bands, up-and-coming performers and talented vocalists perform throughout the weekend.

Live Music Line-up

Headlining Saturday 2nd May are Oasis Supernova, the UK’s ‘biggest’ Oasis tribute. Composed of eleven members, the band is dedicated to capturing the authentic sound and energy of the iconic group at the height of their fame. The full Saturday line-up includes:

• 11:00 - Will Forrester Smooth Saxophone

• 12:45 - Scoble & Friends

• 13:30 - Main Stage Eating Challenge

• 14:30 - To be Announced

• 16:00 - Sophie Gordon

• 17:45 - Oasis Supernova

• 19:15 - Ibiza Sax Classics

Headlining Sunday 3rd May are Pulp’d, a leading tribute to legendary Britpop band Pulp, acclaimed for their high-energy covers and emphatic stage presence. The full Sunday line-up includes:

• 11:00 - Will Forrester Smooth Saxophone

• 12:00 - To Be Announced

• 13:15 - Hannah Goodall

• 14:30 - Leeds City Stompers 

• 16:00 - Danny Charles Band

• 17:45 - Pulp’d

• 19:15 - Ibiza Sax Classics

Headlining Monday 4th May are The Fab 4, tribute to the greatest hits of The Beatles. Together for over 35 years, The Fab 4 have established themselves as one of the most celebrated tribute bands in the country. The full Monday lineup includes:

• 11:00 - Will Forrester Smooth Saxophone

• 12:00 - Howlin’ Mat

• 13:15 - Sienna Craven

• 14:30 - CB+

• 16:15 - The Fab 4

• 17:15 - Ibiza Sax Classics 

Festival Director Michael Johnston spoke on the community atmosphere tied to Exhibition Park:

“The incredible community-atmosphere created at our debut event in Exhibition Park is something we can’t wait to recapture. It’s a weekend dedicated to celebrating the very best of Newcastle while enjoying easy-going entertainment with your favourite people.”

The Sizzling Showdown Arena 

Festival-goers can anticipate the return of the Cookery Theatre, Entertainers Stage, Street Food Arena, Artisan Markets and various family attractions. However, brand-new for 2026 is the introduction of The Sizzling Showdown Arena.

The arena is one of various attractions being introduced into the festival’s extensive entertainment programme, hosting a series of interactive competitions and activities that are completely free to participate in throughout the weekend. Daily events will include:

• The Family Dog Show - friendly competitions between festival-goers’ pets

• The Chilli Challenge - spicy food-themed challenges for daring participants 

• The Foodie Olympics - reimagined with fresh Sports Day-inspired games and greater audience participation. 

Families and friends alike are encouraged to sign-up and get involved across each afternoon of the weekend.

For more information, Early Bird Tickets, and updates, visit https://newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com.

Featured image: Jack Biggin Photography / Stephen Midgley Breakpoint Media